On the protection of the environment - and nature for primary school children

Have you heard the word ecology? And do you know what that means? Ecology is a science that studies the relationships that exist in nature to protect the environment. You are part of it yourself. A lot of your actions also have an impact on the environment and nature around you. 

How to behave in nature?

 Surely you also like to go hiking with your parents or on a class trip. When you visit the forest, there are some rules that must be followed in each case to preserve the balance and peace of the environment. This way we can enjoy the beauty of nature without harming the animals and plants living there. We all need to be active in preserving natural values. So there are some unwritten rules of behavior in the forest:

• Do not throw the rubbish! - When you have a picnic with your parents in the woods, there is a rule of thumb to take everything you take home. This is also true of rubbish. Never throw away any waste generated during the trip (candy wrapper, paper handkerchief, plastic bottle, etc.). Dispose of in a designated collection point. If there isn’t one nearby, put it in your bag or pocket and you can throw it away in the appropriate trash at home.

• Do not make noise! Loud in the forest can disturb the tranquility of the animals that live there. With the loud noise, we can scare them and even leave their home, they may think they have to flee. Did you know that in 1963, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) recommended that national nature conservation organizations produce Red Books?

• The Red Book is a book about extinct and / or endangered plant and animal species in a country or a larger region. The first one was published in 1964, which presents 730 plant species and 400 animal species. Red is the color of danger, so it is used in many areas of life to emphasize prohibition. The "Red Books" call on all humanity with a word of prohibition to prevent further destruction of wildlife.

• Let's not deviate from the designated roads! - Never leave the designated hiking trail, because it is very easy to get lost in the woods. Also, don’t break away from the group or family, don’t scramble alone. It is only in the designated place that a fire can be lit in the woods in the presence of an adult.

• Don't collect plants, animals! - In nature, you should not break down the branches of trees, collect plants or caress animals. With this, you can easily upset the delicate balance of nature.

• Have you ever heard that forests are called the lungs of the planet? This is because trees provide food and oxygen for all life on the planet. Did you know that even professional hunters can't do anything in the woods? Their work not only involves killing animals, but also includes game management, wildlife conservation, animal care, and possible capture. They see a wide range of conservation tasks. The activities of hunters are regulated by law, they can go hunting strictly at certain times of the year.

How can we get involved in environmental protection?

There are a few things you can easily do. The environment and nature conservation first start at home. It is important that everyone does as much as they can to keep our planet livable for future generations. Here are some tips to help you: 

• Try to "produce" as little garbage as possible. If we use our objects for as long as possible; we repair what we can, and we don’t throw away the unnecessary items, we give them away or exchange them. For example, it is not worth cutting down a tree from the forest every year for the Christmas holidays. Ask your parents to buy an artificial pine for Christmas.

• Collect waste selectively! - he various rubbish (eg. glass, paper, plastic, etc.) must always be disposed of in the appropriate waste container. If you are not sure what to throw where, ask your parents or teacher.

• Save energy! - When you leave a room, turn off the lights and turn off the TV. This saves electricity. You can also help by dressing according to the season at home. In winter, if you’re cold, put on a warm sweater first before sets the heating to a higher temperature. You can also save energy by cycling or walking to school instead of asking your parents to take you by car.

• Save water! “Unfortunately, there are continents where water is almost a treasure. Take a shower quickly, use a toothbrush cup to save water and money.

• Let's set an example! - If you accept these tips, you can become a true environmentally conscious individual who sets a positive example for their environment. Talk about this with your parents, friends and classmates!

Where does renewable energy come from?

Now you know how to save energy. But where does it come from? And what do you need to know about it? 

Energy is not only essential for industry, trade and society, but also for the convenience of people and essential for transport. At the same time, the production and consumption of energy is a significant burden for our environment, especially the use of fossil energy (coal, oil, natural gas, etc.): it emits greenhouse gases and other air pollutants and generates waste.

They contribute to climate change, which is why it is vital to encourage the use of renewable energy. Such renewable energy sources include solar energy, biomass, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, etc. Just think about it, renewable energy sources surround us. For example, when you blow a candle on your cake on your birthday, a simple wind energy is generated.

These are characterized by the fact that they are not exhausted and most of them are not or not as harmful to the environment and living beings as non-renewable energy sources. 

The use of solar energy is not new, as it is a condition for the survival of animals and plants. Plants even produce their food using solar energy from the sun (photosynthesis).

Solar panels are used to collect sunlight. In solar power plants, solar energy is converted into electricity, making it usable in households. This is how “sunlight” finally comes to you when you turn on your computer in your room.   

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